Have no illusions about the true nature of the so-called "War on Drugs" and the actions of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). The War on Drugs has always been about protecting the profits of the drug companies, which have a long and well-documented history of copying street drugs, repackaging them as "medications" and selling them to children as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drugs. A few examples include Morphine (synthetic opium), Adderall (synthetic speed/meth), and Oxycontin (synthetic heroin). Today, yet another example emerges as the DEA moves to legalize THC in Big Pharma's pills while simultaneously making it illegal for anyone else to grow, sell, or possess THC. The DEA, you see, is working to change the classification of THC from a schedule I substance (like street heroin) to a schedule III drug (pharmaceuticals). So if Big Pharma grows its own cannabis plants, extracts the THC and puts it into a "pot pill," those pills will be perfectly legal. They're already FDA approved, actually, when made with the synthetic version of THC. But if a guy grows the very same chemical in his backyard, and then extracts THC from those plants (even for his own personal use) suddenly he's guilty of committing a federal crime and will likely become the subject of an armed raid by DEA agents. Why would the DEA decide to legalize THC only for pharmaceutical companies? Well, because Big Pharma requested it, of course! The DEA answers to its Pharma slave mastersThe DEA commented on this subject: “The DEA has received four petitions from companies that have products that are currently the subject of ANDAs (abbreviated new drug applications) under review by the FDA.” While the petitioners cite that their generic products are bioequivalent to Marinol, their products do not meet schedule III current definition provided above. Therefore, these firms have requested that 21 CFR 1308.13(g) (1) be expanded to include naturally derived or synthetically produced Dronabinol. You can read it all on the DEA's own website: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/f...

The DEA goes on to say: “This proposed action expands the schedule III listing to include formulations having naturally-derived dronabinol and products encapsulated in hard gelatin capsules. This would have the effect of transferring the FDA-approved versions of such generic Marinol products from schedule I to schedule III.”

Just so you can make total sense of this, the DEA's loopy logic is that since Marinol is already recognized as a pharmaceutical, the DEA is saying that other generic drugs containing natural THC from marijuana plants can also be recognized as a pharmaceutical. What they fail to recognize is that even the synthetic THC is, of course, based on natural THC grown in cannabis plants! Its classic Big Government pseudoscientific quackery: Only “synthetic” chemicals are considered authoritative, even when those synthetics were stolen from nature in the first place. So now, thanks to the DEA and its twisted position on THC, your doctor is now your dealer and Big Pharma steps in to take over the manufacturing and distribution of drugs that have traditionally been handled by street criminals and Mexican drug gangs. That's what this was always about of course: Big Pharma taking over the drug trade, and using its own private gang of armed enforcers known as DEA agents to do so. It's a lot like Mexico: Armed enforcers, drug profits, turf wars...except in the U.S., its all “legal” under the monopolistic protection of the FDA; Another agency that has always sought to protect Big Pharma's market monopolies. What's astonishing about all this is the DEA's insanity in saying that the very same chemical can be legal for corporations to sell you but illegal for you to grow yourself using a natural plant. THC is THC, after all, and if this chemical is so “incredibly dangerous” that the DEA must throw people in prison for daring to grow it, possess it, or sell it; why is it suddenly okay for corporations to do the exact same thing? You already know the answer: The DEA's position on cannabis and hemp has always been based on the king of warped logic you only get if you're smoking crack. The DEA is the armed enforcement branch of Big Pharma. The real job of the DEA, you see, is not to protect people from dangerous drugs, but rather to protect the profits of Big Pharma by shooting, arresting, or otherwise destroying anything that competes with Big Pharma; This competition namely being the street dealers of cannabis and other drugs. It's not the first time the DEA has done this, of course. Drugs that used to be sold on the street as “speed” are now FDA-approved pharmaceutical medications for ADHD, and they're being prescribed to children by the tens of millions! Every successful drug operation needs henchmen who run around with guns eliminating the competition. In a drug gang, that used to be the job of “Frankie” back in the Sicilian mob days. But today, with Big Pharma, it's the job of the DEA. Hilariously, this announcement by the DEA was posted by their “Office of Diversion Control” (http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/f...). For once, they're honest. It is a diversion: A diversion to prevent people from realizing the truth about the DEA, the “War on Drugs”, and the pharmaceutical industry. Because the DEA, of course, is the armed enforcement division of Big Pharma it works hand in hand with the FDA. The FDA legalizes Big Pharma drug dealing, and the DEA targets the competition for elimination. It's a bang-up job; a real one-two punch to protect the world's largest drug dealers of all, the drug companies themselves. I wonder how long it will take before a few DEA agents will wake up and realize they are the armed mercenaries; working for their corporate slave masters known as the pharmaceutical companies? The real criminals, you see, are not the joint-smoking hippies getting high in their basements but rather the Big Pharma CEOs whose entire careers are dedicated to addicting people to their patented, FDA-approved pharmaceuticals... even when they're the exact same chemicals the DEA claims are “illegal drugs” on the street.

Greetings, First, let me say that it is not my intent to speak badly about any company that looks to promote a hemp product, but rather to make sure community members know the facts regarding solicitations some people are getting from a “new” company called “Versativa.” I have been asked just “who are” these guys and “why” are some hemp networkers now promoting them and not the hemp network. So I really had no choice but to help reveal some facts about “Versativa” so do not make the mistake of falling for the hype.Fact #1: Versativa is NOT a company. It is a brand name. To start, let it be known that “Versativa” is NOT a new company at all; it is a “brand name” given to a new product line that will soon be offered by an MLM Company named ForeverGreen. On January 18th 2011 ForeverGreen applied for a trademark for the Versativa name to be used on this new product line. Their products? Well the flagship product is a 1lb bag of what contains a product that looks like tar balls consisting of Hemp and Fruit that comes in 3 flavors, and you eat it like a snack... watching a video of one of their reps was actually kind of funny. If you looked at their face and did not listen to their forced praise it looks like they were eating sour gummy bears! Could be a great product, what do I know. But I would much rather sell traditional hemp products (seed, flour, coffee), nutritional products (omega, protein), and of course clothing/accessories (belts, bags, etc) than bags of hemp fruit snacks. But hey that is just me. So when you get a solicitation from someone telling you about this exciting “new company” that is going to be the next “big thing,” realize that there is no new company but rather a new hemp/fruit product being offered by an "old" company.Fact #2: ForeverGreen is a Financially Struggling Company If the “old” company was in fact a successful company with a solid track record perhaps I too would still be excited. But it is not; In fact it’s just the opposite. Who is ForeverGreen? Well to be brutally honest it is a failing network marketing company that has lost money every year since 2005 except one (when it broke even). These are not my personal opinions these are facts as shown in their public financial records. Here is a quote from the last publicly available Quarterly Report: “At September 30, 2010, cash decreased to $56,603, we recorded a net loss of $228,730 for the 2010 nine month period and a net loss of $76,718 for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 (“2010 third quarter”). We also had negative working capital of $2,868,824 at September 30, 2010. Our net loss was minimized through effective management of our resources and cost reductions through financial and operational efficiencies.” “However, the losses and negative working capital raise doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.” http://biz.yahoo.com/e/101115/fvrg.ob10-q.html Again, these are not my words this is an official statement from the management of ForeverGreen themselves. Note this is not just one “bad year” you can look at their financial statements going all the way back to 2005. With the exception of one year they consistently lost money. It is using these facts that I can say they were a “failing company” without feeling as if I am being overly critical. It certainly is not a successful company! So while they have been unsuccessful selling every other product they offer, somehow they are now going to be the “next big thing” selling a new Hemp/Fruit snack? Really, what would lead anyone to believe that? While perhaps they can turn things around, their track record is not one that anyone who runs a business should be proud of. And I for one would not look to try to build a “hemp business” using a product being offered by a company who by their own admission may not be around that much longer! Note, if you spend money, time, and energy building a Versativa business and for whatever reason they do not sell enough bags of hemp/fruit gummy bears to overcome the 6 year trend of losing money almost every year... well when they shut the doors and you go out of business too. It is a harsh reality that many MLMers have built a business only to see the company they were working with go out of business, and they have to start all over.Fact #3: MLMers “Leaders” are like Pied Pipers OK, now I will likely step on some toes (sorry) but there is a reason many (if not most) individuals have a bad impression of the network marketing industry. It is the actions just like of those who were once “leaders” with the Hemp Network that turn off most people to the industry as a whole. They basically used the hemp network "idea" and presentation to attract hundreds to the network, then when they were not happy (for whatever reason) they “jump ship” and then openly solicit those who joined the hemp network to join them at some “new deal” where... it just so happens they will financially benefit. Sadly, the “grass is greener” recruiting technique works well in the MLM industry. This is why most never succeed. Many are seduced by the “pied pipers” and follow them from one “deal” to the next and ultimately get burned out and do not even try anymore. Does this matter to the “pied pipers”? Not really. They make their “fast start” profits when they get YOU to join THEM at their new deal. It saddens me when I see otherwise “good people” fall for these techniques, with promises of becoming “founders” or getting in “at the top”. They in turn do the bidding of the “pied pipers” suggesting how exciting everything is with the “new” deal. But note, the "leaders" that jumped ship, well they have been with ForeverGreen for years before they joined The Hemp Network. So the fact that they “jumped” back does not indicate any wisdom on their part... but rather is par for the course. MLMer trend to move from company to company, disrupting entire hierarchy's to attract pre-qualified individuals from one deal where they do not profit from them to a NEW deal where they do. They do this over and over throughout their “MLM career”. So you now know who they are (an old MLM company on the verge of going out of business and NOT a new company) you should be better prepared to deal with anyone misrepresenting Versativa as a new company or anything other than “just another MLM deal”. Just trying to keep it real... Fact is The Hemp Network may not make it! Who knows what the future holds, but when you are being asked to invest time, money, and energy building a business you want to make sure you know the facts as they relate to the financial ability of the company you are helping to build to stay in business to reward you for your efforts. With The Hemp Network you are indeed working with a “new” company and there are risks (and potential rewards!) for helping to get it started. With Versativa you are trying to save a failing company whose own management is questioning its ability to remain a viable business. Knowing the facts can help you make a good decision and not be misled by hype and the "grass is greener" presentation.Live Free...Peace, Love, and HopeYour webmaster,Sean CrystalJoin me at http://thehempnetwork.com/hemp4victory to be part of a “movement”

After sharing the petition “We the people in order to form a more sensible drug policy” (which can be found on the “Take Action” page) with NORML I got a response from Casey at the foundation. I am sharing it with you today because NORML is not in it to win it and have provided me with some more info to prove this:Hello Sean, Thanks for contacting NORML and having a keen interest in NORML’s longstanding pro-reform advocacy efforts. Since 1970 (and later, in 1997, the NORML Foundation) assists the victims of cannabis prohibition as well as representing the interests and concerns of the tens of millions of Americans who responsibly consume cannabis. Your email was forwarded to me for a reply. Generally speaking NORML does not promote third party petitions as many of these sites are more for marketing (capturing email addresses) than changing laws (ie, online petitions have no effect on laws). Education, legislation and litigation, none of it in support of reform is made possible without the support of stakeholders like you. Kind regards, thanks again for your interest and support,

I have removed some minor details at the end of their response as I do not support NORML’s costly events that are ways for them to make money and pay their employees. That’s right I said “employees” NORML is supposed to be non-profit, but have been accepting donations for the drug war for 41 years. Now why someone that has thrived off these “donations,” and became rich off these “donations” have any interest in ending the drug war and ending these “donations?” The fact of the matter is that Change.org, Care2, and some of the other petition sites have caused things to pass and change to be made. This is something NORML denied in their response. I'm willing to bet that they hadn't even taken a look at my petition that I forwarded to them. If they had they would have realized that the information contained within it is the best information possible to use in the reform efforts. As for their e-mail capture reference, I have never once received spam e-mail from any petition site! E-mail capture is used for the sale of your information to third party companies such as spammers for profitable reasons!

A resolution in support of the legalization for production of industrial hemp failed in the House Agricultural Affairs Committee Wednesday, despite claims from the bill’s sponsors that hemp production could lead to an increase in jobs and tax revenue in the state. The bill’s primary sponsor and chairman of the committee, Rep. Tom Trail, R-Moscow, said the memorial would support the legalization of hemp, a multi-million dollar industry that supplies materials used in thousands of foods and fashion products. Trail added that growing hemp would not impact drug trade because of its low levels of THC, the natural chemical that produces a high associated with cannabis. A modern hemp plant contains less than 0.3 percent of the chemical, while cannabis contains much higher rates. On the amount of THC in hemp, Trail said “to get a high from industrial hemp you’d have to build a cigar the size of a telephone pole.” Rep. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot objected to the proposal saying that the legalization could add an unneeded burden on law enforcement officers. Lake expressed concern that officers could struggle in differentiating between legal hemp fields and illegal marijuana grow-ops. Trail responded that during his research on the issue, he had met with law enforcement officials from Canada, where hemp is legal, and they informed him that no cannabis growers are “stupid enough” to plant marijuana near hemp fields due to cross-pollination. According to the Canadian officials, planting the two products near each other results in the THC content of cannabis being lowered, thereby reducing the high that obtained from it. Trail added that Canadian officials encourage hemp production near urban areas to help combat illegal cannabisoperations in cities. One of the resolution’s co-sponsors, Rep. Brian Cronin D-Boise, told lawmakers that Idaho is missing out in job opportunities and tax revenue as a result of the federal ban on hemp production. Cronin argued that hemp legalization proponents have done a terrible job of educating the general public and lawmakers on the realities of hemp, which has led to a “fundamental misunderstanding of what hemp is.” “Hemp is as American as apple pie,” said Cronin. “Both (George) Washington and (Thomas) Jefferson grew hemp and the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.” The other co-sponsor for the plan, Rep. Eric Anderson R-Priest Lake, echoed Cronin’s sentiments, saying that America is missing out on the jobs that could come from the industry. “We spend hundreds of millions buying it from Canada,” Anderson said. “There is not a day that goes by that we don’t use hemp products.” Following testimony, Lake proposed the committee kill the resolution, but the committee failed to do so with a 5-5 tie vote. Rep. Donna Pence, D-Gooding, asked the panel to introduce the plan and send it to the full House for further consideration. Pence’s request also failed on a 5-5 tie vote.